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1.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 4813, 2024 Jun 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38844461

ABSTRACT

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) poses a major threat to the global swine industry, yet effective prevention and control measures remain elusive. This study unveils Nitazoxanide (NTZ) as a potent inhibitor of PRRSV both in vitro and in vivo. Through High-Throughput Screening techniques, 16 potential anti-PRRSV compounds are identified from a library comprising FDA-approved and pharmacopeial drugs. We show that NTZ displays strong efficacy in reducing PRRSV proliferation and transmission in a swine model, alleviating viremia and lung damage. Additionally, Tizoxanide (TIZ), the primary metabolite of NTZ, has been identified as a facilitator of NMRAL1 dimerization. This finding potentially sheds light on the underlying mechanism contributing to TIZ's role in augmenting the sensitivity of the IFN-ß pathway. These results indicate the promising potential of NTZ as a repurposed therapeutic agent for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). Additionally, they provide valuable insights into the antiviral mechanisms underlying NTZ's effectiveness.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , High-Throughput Screening Assays , Nitro Compounds , Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome , Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus , Thiazoles , Animals , Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus/drug effects , Nitro Compounds/pharmacology , Swine , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , High-Throughput Screening Assays/methods , Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome/drug therapy , Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome/virology , Thiazoles/pharmacology , Virus Replication/drug effects , Cell Line , Viremia/drug therapy , Viremia/virology
2.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 4855, 2024 Jun 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38844458

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a long-neglected RNA virus and the major causative agent of acute viral hepatitis in humans. Recent data suggest that HEV has a very heterogeneous hypervariable region (HVR), which can tolerate major genomic rearrangements. In this study, we identify insertions of previously undescribed sequence snippets in serum samples of a ribavirin treatment failure patient. These insertions increase viral replication while not affecting sensitivity towards ribavirin in a subgenomic replicon assay. All insertions contain a predicted nuclear localization sequence and alanine scanning mutagenesis of lysine residues in the HVR influences viral replication. Sequential replacement of lysine residues additionally alters intracellular localization in a fluorescence dye-coupled construct. Furthermore, distinct sequence patterns outside the HVR are identified as viral determinants that recapitulate the enhancing effect. In conclusion, patient-derived insertions can increase HEV replication and synergistically acting viral determinants in and outside the HVR are described. These results will help to understand the underlying principles of viral adaptation by viral- and host-sequence snatching during the clinical course of infection.


Subject(s)
Hepatitis E virus , Hepatitis E , Ribavirin , Virus Replication , Virus Replication/genetics , Hepatitis E virus/genetics , Hepatitis E virus/physiology , Hepatitis E virus/drug effects , Humans , Hepatitis E/virology , Hepatitis E/drug therapy , Ribavirin/pharmacology , Mutagenesis, Insertional , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , RNA, Viral/genetics , Genome, Viral , Replicon/genetics
3.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 13059, 2024 06 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38844490

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has highlighted the urgent need for innovative antiviral strategies to fight viral infections. Although a substantial part of the overall effort has been directed at the Spike protein to create an effective global vaccination strategy, other proteins have also been examined and identified as possible therapeutic targets. Among them, although initially underestimated, there is the SARS-CoV-2 E-protein, which turned out to be a key factor in viral pathogenesis due to its role in virus budding, assembly and spreading. The C-terminus of E-protein contains a PDZ-binding motif (PBM) that plays a key role in SARS-CoV-2 virulence as it is recognized and bound by the PDZ2 domain of the human tight junction protein ZO-1. The binding between the PDZ2 domain of ZO-1 and the C-terminal portion of SARS-CoV-2 E-protein has been extensively characterized. Our results prompted us to develop a possible adjuvant therapeutic strategy aimed at slowing down or inhibiting virus-mediated pathogenesis. Such innovation consists in the design and synthesis of externally PDZ2-ZO1 functionalized PLGA-based nanoparticles to be used as intracellular decoy. Contrary to conventional strategies, this innovative approach aims to capitalize on the E protein-PDZ2 interaction to prevent virus assembly and replication. In fact, the conjugation of the PDZ2 domain to polymeric nanoparticles increases the affinity toward the E protein effectively creating a "molecular sponge" able to sequester E proteins within the intracellular environment of infected cells. Our in vitro studies on selected cellular models, show that these nanodevices significantly reduce SARS-CoV-2-mediated virulence, emphasizing the importance of exploiting viral-host interactions for therapeutic benefit.


Subject(s)
Nanoparticles , PDZ Domains , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , SARS-CoV-2/drug effects , SARS-CoV-2/metabolism , Nanoparticles/chemistry , COVID-19/virology , COVID-19/metabolism , Zonula Occludens-1 Protein/metabolism , Coronavirus Envelope Proteins/metabolism , Coronavirus Envelope Proteins/chemistry , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Antiviral Agents/chemistry , COVID-19 Drug Treatment , Animals , Protein Binding
4.
Luminescence ; 39(6): e4792, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38845344

ABSTRACT

Favipiravir (FVP) is an oral antiviral drug approved in 2021 for the treatment of COVID-19. It is a pyrazine derivative that can be integrated into anti-viral RNA products to inhibit viral replication. While, adenine is a purine nucleobase that is found in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) to generate genetic information. For the first time, the binding mechanism between FVP and adenine was determined using different techniques, including UV-visible spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry, synchronous fluorescence (SF) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and metal ion complexation. The fluorescence spectra indicated that FVP is bound to adenine via Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding through a spontaneous binding process (ΔGο < 0). The quenching mechanism was found to be static. Various temperature settings were used to investigate thermodynamic characteristics, such as binding forces, binding constants, and the number of binding sites. The reaction parameters, including the enthalpy change (ΔHο) and entropy change (ΔSο), were calculated using Van't Hoff's equation. The findings demonstrated that the adenine-FVP binding was endothermic. Furthermore, the results of the experiments revealed that some metal ions (K+, Ca+2, Co+2, Cu+2, and Al+3) might facilitate the binding interaction between FVP and adenine. Slight changes are observed in the FTIR spectra of adenine, indicating the binding interaction between adenine and FVP. This study may be useful in understanding the pharmacokinetic characteristics of FVP and how the drug binds to adenine to prevent any side effects.


Subject(s)
Adenine Nucleotides , Amides , Antiviral Agents , Pyrazines , Thermodynamics , Pyrazines/chemistry , Pyrazines/metabolism , Amides/chemistry , Amides/metabolism , Adenine Nucleotides/chemistry , Adenine Nucleotides/metabolism , Antiviral Agents/chemistry , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Antiviral Agents/metabolism , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared , Spectrometry, Fluorescence , Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer , Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet , Binding Sites , Adenine/chemistry , Adenine/metabolism
5.
Microb Cell Fact ; 23(1): 163, 2024 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38824527

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Type I interferons (IFN-I)-a group of cytokines with immunomodulatory, antiproliferative, and antiviral properties-are widely used as therapeutics for various cancers and viral diseases. Since IFNs are proteins, they are highly susceptible to degradation by proteases and by hydrolysis in the strong acid environment of the stomach, and they are therefore administered parenterally. In this study, we examined whether the intestinal bacterium, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), can be exploited for oral delivery of IFN-Is. EPEC survives the harsh conditions of the stomach and, upon reaching the small intestine, expresses a type III secretion system (T3SS) that is used to translocate effector proteins across the bacterial envelope into the eukaryotic host cells. RESULTS: In this study, we developed an attenuated EPEC strain that cannot colonize the host but can secrete functional human IFNα2 variant through the T3SS. We found that this bacteria-secreted IFN exhibited antiproliferative and antiviral activities similar to commercially available IFN. CONCLUSION: These findings present a potential novel approach for the oral delivery of IFN via secreting bacteria.


Subject(s)
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli , Type III Secretion Systems , Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli/metabolism , Humans , Type III Secretion Systems/metabolism , Interferon-alpha/metabolism , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Antiviral Agents/metabolism , Interferon alpha-2/metabolism , Cell Proliferation/drug effects
6.
J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem ; 39(1): 2351861, 2024 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38847308

ABSTRACT

In this study, a library of phthalimide Schiff base linked to 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles was designed, synthesised, and characterised by different spectral analyses. All analogues have been introduced for in vitro assay of their antiviral activity against COVID-19 virus using Vero cell as incubator with different concentrations. The data revealed most of these derivatives showed potent cellular anti-COVID-19 activity and prevent viral growth by more than 90% at two different concentrations with no or weak cytotoxic effect on Vero cells. Furthermore, in vitro assay was done against this enzyme for all analogues and the results showed two of them have IC50 data by 90 µM inhibitory activity. An extensive molecular docking simulation was run to analyse their antiviral mechanism that found the proper non-covalent interaction within the Mpro protease enzyme. Finally, we profiled two reversible inhibitors, COOH and F substituted analogues that might be promising drug candidates for further development have been discovered.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , Molecular Docking Simulation , Phthalimides , SARS-CoV-2 , Triazoles , Triazoles/chemistry , Triazoles/pharmacology , Triazoles/chemical synthesis , Phthalimides/chemistry , Phthalimides/pharmacology , Phthalimides/chemical synthesis , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Antiviral Agents/chemistry , Antiviral Agents/chemical synthesis , Vero Cells , Chlorocebus aethiops , SARS-CoV-2/drug effects , Animals , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Structure-Activity Relationship , Molecular Structure , Humans , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors , Coronavirus 3C Proteases/metabolism , Models, Molecular
7.
Front Cell Infect Microbiol ; 14: 1386462, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38725448

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway has been extensively studied for its role in regulating antioxidant and antiviral responses. The Equid herpesvirus type 8 (EqHV-8) poses a significant threat to the equine industry, primarily manifesting as respiratory disease, abortions, and neurological disorders in horses and donkeys. Oxidative stress is considered a key factor associated with pathogenesis of EqHV-8 infection. Unfortunately, there is currently a dearth of therapeutic interventions available for the effective control of EqHV-8. Rutin has been well documented for its antioxidant and antiviral potential. In current study we focused on the evaluation of Rutin as a potential therapeutic agent against EqHV-8 infection. Methods: For this purpose, we encompassed both in-vitro and in-vivo investigations to assess the effectiveness of Rutin in combatting EqHV-8 infection. Results and Discussion: The results obtained from in vitro experiments demonstrated that Rutin exerted a pronounced inhibitory effect on EqHV-8 at multiple stages of the viral life cycle. Through meticulous experimentation, we elucidated that Rutin's antiviral action against EqHV-8 is intricately linked to the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway-mediated antioxidant response. Activation of this pathway by Rutin was found to significantly impede EqHV-8 replication, thereby diminishing the viral load. This mechanistic insight not only enhances our understanding of the antiviral potential of Rutin but also highlights the significance of antioxidant stress responses in combating EqHV-8 infection. To complement our in vitro findings, we conducted in vivo studies employing a mouse model. These experiments revealed that Rutin administration resulted in a substantial reduction in EqHV-8 infection within the lungs of the mice, underscoring the compound's therapeutic promise in vivo. Conclusion: In summation, our finding showed that Rutin holds promise as a novel and effective therapeutic agent for the prevention and control of EqHV-8 infections.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , Heme Oxygenase-1 , Herpesviridae Infections , NF-E2-Related Factor 2 , Oxidative Stress , Rutin , Signal Transduction , Rutin/pharmacology , Rutin/therapeutic use , Animals , NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism , Mice , Herpesviridae Infections/drug therapy , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Virus Replication/drug effects , Disease Models, Animal , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Cell Line , Viral Load/drug effects , Horses , Female , Membrane Proteins
8.
J Infect Dev Ctries ; 18(4): 520-531, 2024 Apr 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38728643

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused global health, economic, and population loss. Variants of the coronavirus contributed to the severity of the disease and persistent rise in infections. This study aimed to identify potential drug candidates from fifteen approved antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 (6LU7), SARS-CoV (5B6O), and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (6M0J) using virtual screening and pharmacokinetics to gain insights into COVID-19 therapeutics. METHODOLOGY: We employed drug repurposing approach to analyze binding performance of fifteen clinically approved antiviral drugs against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (6LU7), SARS-CoV (5B6O), and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins bound to ACE-2 receptor (6M0J), to provide an insight into the therapeutics of COVID-19. AutoDock Vina was used for docking studies. The binding affinities were calculated, and 2-3D structures of protein-ligand interactions were drawn. RESULTS: Rutin, hesperidin, and nelfinavir are clinically approved antiviral drugs with high binding affinity to proteins 6LU7, 5B6O, and 6M0J. These ligands have excellent pharmacokinetics, ensuring efficient absorption, metabolism, excretion, and digestibility. Hesperidin showed the most potent interaction with spike protein 6M0J, forming four H-bonds. Nelfinavir had a high human intestinal absorption (HIA) score of 0.93, indicating maximum absorption in the body and promising interactions with 6LU7. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that rutin, hesperidin, and nelfinavir had the highest binding results against the proposed drug targets. The computational approach effectively identified SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. COVID-19 is still a recurrent threat globally and predictive analysis using natural compounds might serve as a starting point for new drug development against SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , COVID-19 , Drug Repositioning , Molecular Docking Simulation , SARS-CoV-2 , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus , SARS-CoV-2/drug effects , Humans , Antiviral Agents/pharmacokinetics , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Antiviral Agents/chemistry , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism , COVID-19/virology , Pandemics , Betacoronavirus/drug effects , COVID-19 Drug Treatment , Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors , Coronavirus 3C Proteases/metabolism , Coronavirus 3C Proteases/chemistry
9.
PLoS One ; 19(5): e0302865, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38723016

ABSTRACT

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) continue to pose a huge threat to public health, and their prevention and treatment remain major international issues. Neuraminidase (NA) is the second most abundant surface glycoprotein on influenza viruses, and antibodies to NA have been shown to be effective against influenza infection. In this study, we generated a monoclonal antibody (mAb), named FNA1, directed toward N1 NAs. FNA1 reacted with H1N1 and H5N1 NA, but failed to react with the NA proteins of H3N2 and H7N9. In vitro, FNA1 displayed potent antiviral activity that mediated both NA inhibition (NI) and blocking of pseudovirus release. Moreover, residues 219, 254, 358, and 388 in the NA protein were critical for FNA1 binding to H1N1 NA. However, further validation is necessary to confirm whether FNA1 mAb is indeed a good inhibitor against NA for application against H1N1 and H5N1 viruses.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Neuraminidase , Neuraminidase/immunology , Neuraminidase/metabolism , Neuraminidase/antagonists & inhibitors , Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/immunology , Humans , Animals , Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Mice , Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/immunology , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Viral Proteins/immunology , Viral Proteins/metabolism , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/immunology , Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/immunology
10.
PLoS One ; 19(5): e0299696, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38728335

ABSTRACT

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the COVID-19 disease, which represents a new life-threatening disaster. Regarding viral infection, many therapeutics have been investigated to alleviate the epidemiology such as vaccines and receptor decoys. However, the continuous mutating coronavirus, especially the variants of Delta and Omicron, are tended to invalidate the therapeutic biological product. Thus, it is necessary to develop molecular entities as broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. Coronavirus replication is controlled by the viral 3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (3CLpro) enzyme, which is required for the virus's life cycle. In the cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), 3CLpro has been shown to be a promising therapeutic development target. Here we proposed an attention-based deep learning framework for molecular graphs and sequences, training from the BindingDB 3CLpro dataset (114,555 compounds). After construction of such model, we conducted large-scale screening the in vivo/vitro dataset (276,003 compounds) from Zinc Database and visualize the candidate compounds with attention score. geometric-based affinity prediction was employed for validation. Finally, we established a 3CLpro-specific deep learning framework, namely GraphDPI-3CL (AUROC: 0.958) achieved superior performance beyond the existing state of the art model and discovered 10 molecules with a high binding affinity of 3CLpro and superior binding mode.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , COVID-19 Drug Treatment , Deep Learning , SARS-CoV-2 , SARS-CoV-2/drug effects , SARS-CoV-2/metabolism , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Humans , Coronavirus 3C Proteases/metabolism , Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors , Protein Binding , COVID-19/virology , Molecular Docking Simulation
11.
Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi ; 32(4): 295-299, 2024 Apr 20.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38733181

ABSTRACT

The ideal goal of hepatitis B treatment is to achieve a functional cure, and the persistent cccDNA in the liver is a barrier to functional cure. Currently, antiviral drugs represented by pegylated interferon-α and nucleos (t) ide analogues cannot eliminate cccDNA, which is difficult to achieve functional cure. With the deepening of the exploration of various mechanisms and drug targets, significant progress has been made in the research and development of several novel drugs targeting the hepatitis B virus's life cycle and immune system, offering hope for a functional cure. This article presents an overview of the new progress in clinical research on antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B based on the literature published in recent years and international conference materials.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , Hepatitis B virus , Hepatitis B, Chronic , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Humans , Hepatitis B, Chronic/drug therapy , Hepatitis B virus/drug effects , Interferon-alpha/therapeutic use , Interferon-alpha/pharmacology , DNA, Viral
12.
Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi ; 32(4): 375-379, 2024 Apr 20.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38733195

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA integration occurs during the reverse transcription process of HBV replication, which develops in the early stages of HBV infection and accompanies the entire disease course. The integration of HBV DNA is detrimental to the attainment of clinical cure goals and also raises the risk of developing liver cancer. Theoretically, nucleos(t)ide analogs can reduce the synthesis of new double-stranded linear DNA, but there is no clearance function for hepatocytes that have already integrated HBV. Therefore, patients with serum HBV DNA-negative conversions still have the risk of developing liver cancer. As an immunomodulatory drug, interferon can not only inhibit viral replication but also inhibit or even eliminate existing clonally amplified hepatocytes carrying integrated HBV DNA fragments. However, there are currently few studies on the effects of nucleos(t)ide analogues and interferon therapy on HBV DNA integration. Thus, large-scale clinical studies are urgently needed for further clarification.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , DNA, Viral , Hepatitis B virus , Hepatitis B virus/drug effects , Hepatitis B virus/genetics , Humans , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Virus Integration , Hepatitis B/drug therapy , Hepatitis B/virology , Virus Replication/drug effects , Interferons/therapeutic use
13.
Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi ; 32(4): 318-324, 2024 Apr 20.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38733186

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the antiviral activity of the small-molecule compound AM679 in hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and infection cell models. Methods: The positive regulatory effect of AM679 on EFTUD2 expression was validated by qPCR and Western blotting. HepAD38 and HepG2-NTCP cells were treated with AM679 (0.5, 1, and 2 nmol/L). Negative control, positive control, and AM679 combined with the entecavir group were set up. HBV DNA intra-and extracellularly, as well as the expression levels of intracellular HBV total RNAs and 3.5kb-RNA changes, were detected with qPCR. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) levels were measured in the cell supernatant by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The t-test method was used for the statistical analysis of the mean difference between groups. Results: EFTUD2 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased in HepAD38 and HepG2-NTCP cells following AM679 treatment, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Intra-and extracellular indicators such as HBV DNA, HBV RNAs, HBV 3.5kb-RNA, HBsAg, and HBeAg were decreased to varying degrees in both cell models, and the decrease in these indicators was more pronounced with the increase in AM679 concentration and prolonged treatment duration, while the combined use of AM679 and entecavir had a more significant antiviral effect. The HBV DNA inhibition rates in the supernatant of HepAD38 cells with the use of 2 nmol/L AM679 were 21% and 48% on days three and nine, respectively. The AM679 combined with the ETV treatment group had the most significant inhibitory effect (62%), with a P < 0.01. More active HBV replication was observed after silencing EFTUD2, while the antiviral activity of AM679 was significantly weakened. Conclusion: AM679 exerts anti-HBV activity in vitro by targeting the regulation of EFTUD2 expression.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , Guanine/analogs & derivatives , Hepatitis B virus , Virus Replication , Hepatitis B virus/drug effects , Humans , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Virus Replication/drug effects , Hep G2 Cells , Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/metabolism , Hepatitis B e Antigens/metabolism , DNA, Viral
14.
Curr Microbiol ; 81(7): 169, 2024 May 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38733424

ABSTRACT

The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has emphasized the urgent need for effective therapies to combat COVID-19. Investigating the potential targets, inhibitors, and in silico approaches pertinent to COVID-19 are of utmost need to develop novel therapeutic agents and reprofiling of existing FDA-approved drugs. This article reviews the viral enzymes and their counter receptors involved in the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells, replication of genomic RNA, and controlling the host cell physiology. In addition, the study provides an overview of the computational techniques such as docking simulations, molecular dynamics, QSAR modeling, and homology modeling that have been used to find the FDA-approved drugs and other inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of virus-based and host-based druggable targets from a structural point of view, together with the reported therapeutic compounds against SARS-CoV-2 have also been presented. The current study offers future perspectives for research in the field of network pharmacology investigating the large unexplored molecular libraries. Overall, the present in-depth review aims to expedite the process of identifying and repurposing drugs for researchers involved in the field of COVID-19 drug discovery.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , COVID-19 Drug Treatment , SARS-CoV-2 , SARS-CoV-2/drug effects , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Antiviral Agents/chemistry , Humans , Molecular Docking Simulation , COVID-19/virology , Drug Repositioning , Virus Internalization/drug effects , Molecular Dynamics Simulation
15.
Vet Q ; 44(1): 1-13, 2024 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38712855

ABSTRACT

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal illness caused by a mutated feline coronavirus (FCoV). This disease is characterized by its complexity, resulting from systemic infection, antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), and challenges in accessing effective therapeutics. Extract derived from Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek (VRE) exhibits various pharmacological effects, including antiviral activity. This study aimed to investigate the antiviral potential of VRE against FCoV, addressing the urgent need to advance the treatment of FIP. We explored the anti-FCoV activity, antiviral mechanism, and combinational application of VRE by means of in vitro antiviral assays. Our findings reveal that VRE effectively inhibited the cytopathic effect induced by FCoV, reduced viral proliferation, and downregulated spike protein expression. Moreover, VRE blocked FCoV in the early and late infection stages and was effective under in vitro ADE infection. Notably, when combined with VRE, the polymerase inhibitor GS-441524 or protease inhibitor GC376 suppressed FCoV more effectively than monotherapy. In conclusion, this study characterizes the antiviral property of VRE against FCoV in vitro, and VRE possesses therapeutic potential for FCoV treatment.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , Coronavirus, Feline , Feline Infectious Peritonitis , Lactams , Leucine/analogs & derivatives , Plant Extracts , Sulfonic Acids , Vigna , Coronavirus, Feline/drug effects , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Animals , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Cats , Feline Infectious Peritonitis/drug therapy , Feline Infectious Peritonitis/virology , Vigna/chemistry , Virus Replication/drug effects , Cell Line
16.
Biol Pharm Bull ; 47(5): 930-940, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38692871

ABSTRACT

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the etiological agent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19, with the recurrent epidemics of new variants of SARS-CoV-2, remains a global public health problem, and new antivirals are still required. Some cholesterol derivatives, such as 25-hydroxycholesterol, are known to have antiviral activity against a wide range of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. At the entry step of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the viral envelope fuses with the host membrane dependent of viral spike (S) glycoproteins. From the screening of cholesterol derivatives, we found a new compound 26,27-dinorcholest-5-en-24-yne-3ß,20-diol (Nat-20(S)-yne) that inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 S protein-dependent membrane fusion in a syncytium formation assay. Nat-20(S)-yne exhibited the inhibitory activities of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus entry and intact SARS-CoV-2 infection in a dose-dependent manner. Among the variants of SARS-CoV-2, inhibition of infection by Nat-20(S)-yne was stronger in delta and Wuhan strains, which predominantly invade into cells via fusion at the plasma membrane, than in omicron strains. The interaction between receptor-binding domain of S proteins and host receptor ACE2 was not affected by Nat-20(S)-yne. Unlike 25-hydroxycholesterol, which regulates various steps of cholesterol metabolism, Nat-20(S)-yne inhibited only de novo cholesterol biosynthesis. As a result, plasma membrane cholesterol content was substantially decreased in Nat-20(S)-yne-treated cells, leading to inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nat-20(S)-yne having a new mechanism of action may be a potential therapeutic candidate for COVID-19.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , COVID-19 , Cholesterol , SARS-CoV-2 , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus , SARS-CoV-2/drug effects , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Humans , COVID-19/virology , Cholesterol/metabolism , Vero Cells , Chlorocebus aethiops , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism , Animals , Virus Internalization/drug effects , Betacoronavirus/drug effects , Pandemics , COVID-19 Drug Treatment , Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy , Coronavirus Infections/virology , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism , Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy , Pneumonia, Viral/virology
17.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 10253, 2024 05 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38704431

ABSTRACT

The tegument protein pp150 of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is known to be essential for the final stages of virus maturation and mediates its functions by interacting with capsid proteins. Our laboratory has previously identified the critical regions in pp150 important for pp150-capsid interactions and designed peptides similar in sequence to these regions, with a goal to competitively inhibit capsid maturation. Treatment with a specific peptide (PepCR2 or P10) targeted to pp150 conserved region 2 led to a significant reduction in murine CMV (MCMV) growth in cell culture, paving the way for in vivo testing in a mouse model of CMV infection. However, the general pharmacokinetic parameters of peptides, including rapid degradation and limited tissue and cell membrane permeability, pose a challenge to their successful use in vivo. Therefore, we designed a biopolymer-stabilized elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) fusion construct (ELP-P10) to enhance the bioavailability of P10. Antiviral efficacy and cytotoxic effects of ELP-P10 were studied in cell culture, and pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and antiviral efficacy were studied in a mouse model of CMV infection. ELP-P10 maintained significant antiviral activity in cell culture, and this conjugation significantly enhanced P10 bioavailability in mouse tissues. The fluorescently labeled ELP-P10 accumulated to higher levels in mouse liver and kidneys as compared to the unconjugated P10. Moreover, viral titers from vital organs of MCMV-infected mice indicated a significant reduction of virus load upon ELP-P10 treatment. Therefore, ELP-P10 has the potential to be developed into an effective antiviral against CMV infection.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , Cytomegalovirus Infections , Elastin , Muromegalovirus , Peptides , Phosphoproteins , Viral Matrix Proteins , Animals , Elastin/chemistry , Elastin/metabolism , Cytomegalovirus Infections/drug therapy , Cytomegalovirus Infections/virology , Mice , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Antiviral Agents/pharmacokinetics , Antiviral Agents/chemistry , Peptides/pharmacology , Peptides/chemistry , Muromegalovirus/drug effects , Humans , Capsid Proteins/metabolism , Capsid Proteins/chemistry , Cytomegalovirus/drug effects , Capsid/metabolism , Capsid/drug effects , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacology , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacokinetics , Disease Models, Animal , Elastin-Like Polypeptides
18.
Rev Med Virol ; 34(3): e2539, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38719789

ABSTRACT

The viral infection of the central nervous system is a significant public health concern. So far, most clinical cases of viral neuroinvasion are dealt with supportive and/or symptomatic treatments due to the unavailability of specific treatments. Thus, developing specific therapies is required to alleviate neurological symptoms and disorders. In this review, we shed light on molecular aspects of viruses' entry into the brain which upon targeting with specific drugs have shown promising efficacy in vitro and in preclinical in vivo model systems. Further assessing the therapeutic potential of these drugs in clinical trials may offer opportunities to halt viral neuroinvasion in humans.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , Humans , Animals , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Virus Internalization/drug effects , Brain/virology , Brain/pathology , Brain/drug effects , Central Nervous System Viral Diseases/drug therapy , Central Nervous System Viral Diseases/virology
19.
AAPS PharmSciTech ; 25(5): 98, 2024 May 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38714600

ABSTRACT

Respiratory diseases caused by viruses are a serious global health threat. Although the use of hand sanitizers containing alcohol and synthetic antiseptic agents is recognized as an effective, simple, and low-cost measure to combat viral transmission, they can harm human health and the environment. Thus, this work aimed to study the efficacy of combining Camellia sinensis and Chamomilla recutita extracts in a skin- and eco-friendly leave-on hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. An oil-in-water emulsion containing C. recutita oily extract (5.0%), C. recutita glycolic extract (0.2%) and C. sinensis glycolic extract (5.0%) showed virucidal activity against HAdV-2 (respiratory virus) and two surrogate viruses of SARS-CoV-2 (HSV-1 and MVH-3), showing great potential to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These natural extracts combined are also promising to combat a broad spectrum of other viruses, in the form of antiseptic mouthwashes or throat sprays, surface disinfectants, and veterinary products, among others. Complementally, the developed hand sanitizer demonstrated efficacy against bacteria and fungus.


Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , Hand Sanitizers , Plant Extracts , Hand Sanitizers/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Humans , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Antiviral Agents/chemistry , Camellia sinensis/chemistry , Animals , SARS-CoV-2/drug effects , Chlorocebus aethiops , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/virology
20.
Ter Arkh ; 96(3): 205-211, 2024 Apr 16.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38713033

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted pressing challenges in biomedical research methodology. It has become obvious that the rapid and effective development of treatments for "new" viral infections is impossible without the coordination of interdisciplinary research and in-depth analysis of data obtained within the framework of the post-genomic paradigm. Presents the results of a systematic computer analysis of 290,000 scientific articles on COVID-19, with an emphasis on the results of post-genomic studies of SARS-CoV-2. The futility of the overly simplified approach, which considers only one "most important receptor protein", only one "key virus gene", etc., is shown. It is shown how post-genomic technologies will make it possible to find informative biomarkers of severe coronavirus infection, including those based on complex immune disorders associated with COVID-19.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Drug Treatment , Genomics/methods , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology
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